Celebratory picnic may be the starter
By CHERIE HOWIE - The Marlborough Express
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A long Anniversary Day lunch in Blenheim could be about to get even longer as its laid-back organiser looks to repeat the event next year.
The inaugural public picnic by the Taylor River attracted about 300 people yesterday, a turnout that has inspired Blenheim business owner and organiser Toni Gillan to look at repeating the event next year.
Mrs Gillan said she was thrilled with the turnout, which had given the lunch a strong mandate to become an annual event.
She had deliberately kept the event low-key, encouraging people to take responsibility for making their own fun.
"The whole idea was not to have an organiser ... my only job was organising the loos," she said, pointing to two portable toilets nearby.
The lunch received the thumbs up from picnickers Sally and Stephen Harnett, who travelled from Wairau Valley for the event.
They were joined by family and friends visiting from the North Island.
"We came all the way down here to have a picnic and we just saw some neighbours of ours here, too ... it's all about friends and family coming together," Mrs Harnett said.
She was full of praise for Mrs Gillan. "Toni always comes up with the good ideas."
Bev Neale, who was enjoying lunch with friend Diane Andrews, said she was now inspired to enjoy the the riverside park area more often.
"I've just got a little townhouse. I might come down here with family a bit more."
Robyn Cuddon, who was among a group of friends and grandchildren, said it was great to see the park being used.
"Our river is totally underutilised."
Meanwhile, a posh picnic at Brayshaw Park also saw Marlburians enjoying the outdoors yesterday.
Among those taking part in the high-class experience was Helen Winstanley, of Blenheim, who travelled to the event with her husband in their 1926 Vauxhall.
While she is far from being an inexperienced picnicker, Mrs Winstanley said she had never enjoyed a posh picnic.
"It's great to get all our good china and silver out."
Others were enjoying pikelets and jam and other old favourites. A costume competition was held, and children were entertained with traditional games.
Meanwhile, more than 60 cyclists had an active anniversary day, taking part in a 150-kilometre ride to raise money for Mayfield Kindergarten.
New and experienced golfers also enjoyed the region's birthday sunshine at the Rarangi Golf Club, where a family teams competition took place.
